Caliber Armor AR550 III+ Steel Body Armor Side Plates

Caliber Armor has gone above and beyond to bring you steel body armor of a HIGHER CALIBER.

• AR550 Level III+ Steel Body Armor Panel Side Plates (available in 6×6 and 6×8 with either standard or PolyShield spall coating)
• Single bend
• Special PolyShield Anti-Spall Coating available
• Rated and tested to: NIJ STD-0101.06 Level III and special threats listed on the new NIJ STD-0101.07 Draft Rifle 2
• Proudly made in the U.S.A
• If you are ordering these for your MOPC or EXO carrier, you will also need the VAS side plate pocket.

This can be seen with Caliber Armor bend process, their fragmentation coating and finishing details. This was the material that they started from and had the most experience with. They’ve seen it, done it, improved it.

Steel Body Armor provides great protection that can stop multiple projectile hits. Caliber Armor have been working with different levels of abrasion resistant (AR) ballistic steel for years and have not found a better product than the AR550 Steel Body Armor Plates. This armor is rated at a level III+ as it can defeat special threats like M855 rounds.

All Caliber Armor steel plates come in one ergonomic curve option. Caliber Armor have worked with LE and first responders to design a curve that you can be comfortable wearing. Caliber Armor provides this at no additional cost. What is unique about the way that they bend their steel is important too. Caliber Armor have designed a press that creates a multi curve bend in ONE step. Why is this important? When you do multiple bends to achieve a multi curve, it puts extra strain on the plate which can weaken it. Caliber Armor has replicated the same curves that you have seen in multi curve ceramic armor for years.

Caliber Armor aggressive Shooters Cut body armor plates shave off weight while still providing enough coverage to protect your vital organs. Use CaliberX™ Soft Armor Backers for even more protection and comfort.

Caliber Armor standard AR550 plate comes coated to protect the plate from rust and the elements. One concern with Steel Armor is fragmentation containment. Some of that fragmentation is contained in the armor’s plate carrier, but there still is a risk of lethal shrapnel. HIGHLY recommend PolyShield Anti-Spall add on. Caliber Armor have formulated an anti-spall coating specifically for their armor application. This addition to your steel plate gives you peace of mind when wearing steel armor.

Weights for AR550 Steel Body Armor:

6 x 6: 2.5 lbs. with standard coating/3 lbs. for PolyShield Spall Coating

6 x 8: 3.31 lbs. with standard coating/4 lbs. for PolyShield Spall Coating

NIJ STANDARD-0101.06

Tested and verified to meet or exceed ballistic resistance as specified under NIJ Standard- 0101.06 Level III and also tested to with special threats from the new NIJ Standard- 0101.07 (Draft) Rifle 2.

MANUFACTURING TOLERANCES:

Thickness dimensions are +-1/8 in. Width and length dimensions are +0.00 to 0.25 in. All weights are +- 5%.

Product Guide: 

Hard Armor Fitting Guide:

Caliber Armor hard plates come in a number of sizes, weights and thicknesses. All of our hard body armor plates are tooled with our CMC™ technology for your comfort. Torso plates provide front and back chest protection. Side plates are also available for additional protection.

The primary organ to be protected is the heart. Since the heart is located with its apex near the left center of the chest, you need to choose a ballistic insert wide enough to ensure complete coverage of this area for optimum protection.

Torso Plate Sizing Chart:

Step 1: Determine your chest measurement and length of the plate that suits you best.

Chest Measurement: Measure under arms around fullest part of chest. Be sure to keep measuring tape level across back and comfortably loose. Length of Plate: Determine the plate length that is optimum for you and your body type. When standing, the top plate edge should rest at the level of the jugular notch (the soft spot right above the sternum). Bottom of the plate edge should extend to approximately 4.5 inches above your service belt ensuring protection of vital organs and vessels. The plate should fit comfortably when standing or sitting.

(This information is for general guidance only and is subject to user preference or experience)

32-35” Chest: XS SAPI Cut (7.25 x 11.5”) or S Shooter Cut (8 x 10”)
36-39” Chest: S SAPI Cut (8.75 x 11.75”) or S Shooter Cut (8 x 10”)
40-43” Chest: M SAPI Cut (9.5 x 12.5”) or L Shooter Cut (10 x 12”)
44-47” Chest: L SAPI Cut (10.25 x 13.25”) or L Shooters Cut (10 x 12”)
48+” Chest: XL SAPI or Shooters Cut (11 x 14”)

When you purchase your plate carrier, be sure it accommodates your new ballistic inserts.

Positioning Back Plate: 

As a general rule, the top edge of the back plate should align with the top edge of the front plate when viewed from the side. The bottom edge of the back plate should be about .75 inches above the service belt. This space prevents the insert from pushing upwards into the neck area when standing.

Side Plates:

Side plates are available in two sizes, 6 x 6” and 6 x 8” for added protection. The side plates protect the vulnerable areas of the abdomen from side shots. If worn high enough in the tactical vest they can also provide side protection for the heart.